06/06/2026

SATURDAY | JUNE 6, 2026

3

Royal consent granted, says MB

Negeri Sembilan polls set to test political loyalties

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly was dissolved, paving the way for a state election after weeks of deepening political and constitutional turmoil over a disputed royal proclamation. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun made the announcement on Thursday, saying royal consent had been granted by Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir. He said the decision was made following discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, adding that it was made in full accordance with the state constitution. “I have followed the provisions of the state constitution. I have received His Royal Highness’s consent.” He added that the Election Commission would be formally notified following the dissolution, with nomination and polling dates to be set thereafter. He said Pakatan Harapan would contest all 36 state seats, with coalition seat allocations expected to be finalised the following week. When asked whether the dissolution was driven by political instability, Aminuddin made no attempt to sidestep the question. “We look at the situation where support changed. At first there was support, then it was withdrawn. It was no longer suitable for the government. So, I believe it is necessary to give the public a new mandate to decide the future.” Negeri Sembilan became the second state heading to the polls, following Johor’s assembly dissolution on Monday. In the 2023 state election, PH won 17 seats and BN 14, forming a unity government with a commanding 31-seat majority in the 36-seat assembly. The dissolution came after weeks of compounding political and constitutional crises that had shaken the state to its core. The turbulence had its roots in the removal of Datuk Mubarak Dohak as Undang of Sungai Ujong on May 13 last year, following allegations of multiple breaches of adat and customary laws. The crisis deepened on April 17 this year when the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang confirmed his ouster, citing 33 alleged adat violations. Two days later, the four Undang — the ruling chieftains of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau — announced at a press conference that Tuanku Muhriz had been deposed and that Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar had been named as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The declaration, made on grounds of alleged misconduct, offered no specifics. Under Adat Perpatih , the four Undang hold the power to elect the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Aminuddin rejected the proclamation the following day, saying the state government deemed it invalid as it had been signed and read by Mubarak – whom it did not recognise as the lawful Undang of Sungai Ujong. The announcement sparked a constitutional debate over whether proper procedure had been observed in deposing a ruler. On April 22, the four Undang pressed the state government to postpone the opening of the State Legislative Assembly, insisting Tuanku Muhriz could no longer act as Ruler. The state government refused, and Tuanku Muhriz proceeded to officially open the assembly the following day, without the four Undang . The dispute took a sharper political turn on April 27 when 14 Umno/BN assemblymen reportedly withdrew support for Aminuddin’s administration. Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias cited the MB’s handling of the royal crisis as the reason. The move left the state government in a precarious position. Stripped of BN’s backing, Aminuddin would have been left commanding just 17 seats, with Perikatan Nasional holding the remaining five. Anwar moved swiftly to contain the fallout. Following an audience with Tuanku Muhriz on April 28, he confirmed that Aminuddin would remain as MB and that Tuanku Muhriz wished for the state administration to continue as normal.

government’s recognition of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, while emphasising that the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers’ institution will continue to be safeguarded in accordance with the Constitution. He said developments in the state were “concerning”, but emphasised that any challenge to the royal institution must be pursued strictly through proper legal and constitutional channels, backed by solid justification. “We, as the federal government, although not directly involved (in the state affairs), must provide guidance, particularly to the Malay community and Malaysians in general. The PETALING JAYA: Negeri Sembilan’s snap state election is set to test political loyalties in one of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) long-held strongholds, amid questions over whether the incumbent coalition is able defend its mandate or face a resurgence from Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN). International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said PH may still hold an advantage in Negeri Sembilan, citing its position as a two-term incumbent and public satisfaction with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s administration. She added that the early election is “not very popular” among some voters, with parts of the electorate blaming Umno for withdrawing support from the state leadership, a factor that could potentially strengthen PH’s voter turnout. “PH supporters might come out strongly to defend PH in Negeri Sembilan. The contest is likely to be a straight fight between PH and BN, with PN expected to face a tougher path in gaining ground.” She also pointed out that Negeri Sembilan differs from Johor and Malacca due to its high number of voters working in the Klang Valley, who might have no problem returning home to vote, which could help push turnout above 60%, a level that traditionally benefits PH. Syaza said BN’s main opportunity lies in recovering Malay votes that shifted to PN in the 2023 election, rather than directly eroding PH’s support base. “The only way BN could have an advantage is if PH voters do not turn out to vote. “However, sentiment in Negeri Sembilan is different, as voters likely want to defend the PH administration. “In 2023, PN gained because some Malay voters rejected the BN-PH alliance. “PN may still retain a few seats such as Labu and Paroi, but is unlikely to make major breakthroughs.” She described the election as “50-50”, depending on voter turnout and whether BN could regain Malay support, while also highlighting the growing influence of younger voters who may favour PH. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Contest likely to be straight fight between PH and BN: Analyst

Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir greets members of the public before Friday prayers at the Kariah Gunung Pasir mosque at Seri Menanti. – BERNAMAPIC

Undang Yang Empat at a ceremony held at a resort in Malacca yesterday. He also said he supported Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s decision to dissolve the state legislative assembly and return the mandate to the public through a state election, citing the need to resolve political uncertainty. “I fully support the menteri besar’s view that, given the confusion and lack of clarity, it is best to hold an election, and His Royal Highness has also given his consent. “For us, we move forward while continuing to work with Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang di Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. Any other course of action, if pursued through proper channels, is not something we will obstruct.” – Bernama Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the timing of Negeri Sembilan’s snap state election appears to be closely linked to broader political strategy. He said while Johor’s earlier election was seen to create positive political momentum for Umno, Negeri Sembilan is now in a more “awkward position” as it cannot wait for the outcome of other political developments that could benefit Umno. “Compared with Johor, Negeri Sembilan has more locally rooted issues linked to its monarchy system and Adat Perpatih , where Umno and PH are seen as taking different positions.” He added that Umno in Negeri Sembilan is not as strong as in Johor, although it remains in a relatively stable position. However, he suggested that the political advantage seen in Johor could be offset if elections are held simultaneously across states. Azmi said the monarchy-related issues could become a central theme in the Negeri Sembilan campaign, potentially shaping voter sentiment in the upcoming state election.

monarchy is not just a name; it carries dignity, conventions and rules. Therefore, we will continue to uphold the position, dignity and sovereignty of the Rulers.” Anwar said the federal government would continue to work with and recognise Tuanku Muhriz as the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar, urging all parties to avoid actions that could cause public concern. “Any attempt to remove or impeach a Ruler would carry serious implications for the country and its stability. That is why we take this matter seriously, and I have conveyed this view to the relevant parties.” Anwar was responding to media reports regarding the installation of Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan by the “We will watch whether BN (is able to) convince the Malay voters to return to Umno or perhaps PAS’s influence has breached southern Peninsular Malaysia.” University of Tasmania Asia Institute Tasmania director Prof James Chin said PH had little choice but to call a state election due to rising political instability in Negeri Sembilan, including tensions over attempts to replace the state Ruler and challenges in the state assembly. “If they don’t go for it, then Umno may even push for a vote of no confidence.” He said all major coalitions could benefit from the election in different ways depending on their performance. He said PH, especially DAP, would aim to defend and strengthen its Chinese-majority seats, while BN, particularly Umno, could gain influence if it wins the state government, and PAS under PN is looking to show it could make gains in the state. He also emphasised the possible entry of Bersama could further complicate voter dynamics, particularly among Chinese voters who may now have an additional political alternative.

PM reaffirms govt recognition of Tuanku Muhriz as Ruler PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the federal